Kennett Square >> “Eat Chocolate. Do Good … in Your Neighborhood” is the theme for this year’s Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival. The festival celebrating all things chocolate will be held on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018 at Kennett High School from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Festival raises funds for United Way of Southern Chester County, which supports 26 health and human service programs in the area. The festival has been a multi-year “Best Desserts” winner in the County Lines’ Best of the Best Contest.

“We couldn’t do this festival without the support of our community,” said Carrie Freeman, CEO of United Way of Southern Chester County. “At United Way of Southern Chester County, we believe in ‘One Community. One Commitment. One Contribution.’ At all levels from the bakers and sponsors to the volunteers to the attendees, this event exemplifies our motto. Thanks to everyone who participated, the festival raised over $17,000 for our community last year.”

Professionals, amateurs and students will compete for ribbons and bragging rights while having their chocolate creations judged. Contestants compete in specific categories and there is no fee to enter. First-place amateur winners are also awarded prizes and gift certificates to area dining spots like Buckley’s Tavern, The Platinum Dining Group restaurants, and The Columbus Inn. Entry deadline is Feb. 8, 2018. Last year, more than 200 chocolate entries were judged. Winners included The Country Butcher, The Gables and Heavenly Sweet Chocolate, plus several amateur bakers and students.

After the judging, chocoholics of all ages are admitted: Connoisseur (VIP) ticket holders ($25) enter at 12 p.m., while doors open for general admission ($10) at 1 p.m. Connoisseur tickets include early admission before the crowds, 10 tasting tickets, free beverages, as well as free parking. General admission tickets include six chocolate tasting tickets per person. Additional tasting tickets are available for 50 cents each or $5 for 11 tickets. Parking is $5 per car. Multi-ticket discounts are offered to online purchasers. Tickets can be purchased directly at http://bit.ly/2018ChocLoversFestTix.

The enormously popular Year of Living Chocolate raffle has returned. For only $10 per ticket or $20/3, you could win a chocolate dessert each month for a year from various local bakers and chocolatiers starting in March of 2018. Follow the Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/KennettChocolateFestival/) for the 2017 winner’s indulgences. Raffle tickets can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/2018ChocLoversFestTix, at the United Way offices at 106 State Street in Kennett Square, or day-of at the festival. The drawing will be held on Feb. 14.

New this year: Kiddie Korner – with face painting, photos with fun characters, and cookie decorating